We were able to take the drive around the east rim this year since all snow in this area is virtually gone. The lake was surprisingly still which afforded us spectacular reflection views. Crater Lake is 1943 feet deep and is the deepest lake in the United States. It is five miles wide and rests in the shattered remnants of a volcano called Mount Mazama.

I just couldn't resist putting in another view of the lake with the sides of the caldera reflected so perfectly in the intense blue water of Crater Lake. Al claims that that he read that there has actually been a shade of blue registered with the name "Crater Lake Blue".

This castlelike pumice structure was formed when the heat of the volcano welded it together. The castle was buried but surfaced over time as the looser materials around it eroded away. Layers of obsidian were also evident in the formations surrounding the castle.

Since we are finally out of the fire ban area, we decided a campfire was the order for the night. We might now be RV'ers but there is still a little bit of camping left in our blood! Actually there is a lot of camping left in our style - Al still cooks outside on the Coleman stove.

Wizard Island was formed by eruptions which occurred after the Mount Mazama eruption. There are other volcanic formations that were formed at this same time, which are now hidden under the lake water. According to what we read, the island derived its name from its shape that looks similar to a wizard's hat.